NBA 20 Years Ago: Sprewell verdict, Shaq vs. Orlando, and lots of trades

In the latest edition of Over and Back's NBA 20 Years Ago series, we look at the events of February and early March 1998 in the NBA.

We look at Tim Duncan coming into elite form as a rookie, Karl Malone passing milestones and making a run at MVP again, Hakeem Olajuwon showing signs of slowing down, Nick Anderson helping carry the Magic, Larry Bird pushing the Pacers, early tension between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, the Timberwolves and Nets turning things around, the Jazz rallying from 24 down to beat the Bulls, Tracy Murray's 50-point game, Shaq being jeered in his return to Orlando, and the Pacers setting records in routing the Blazers 124-59.

We also discuss Latrell Sprewell's arbitration hearing, the surprise verdict reducing his suspension, David Stern's reaction, Doug Collins' firing in Detroit, All-Star Weekend without the dunk contest, the Raptors being sold and cleaning house, the 4-42 Nuggets firing their GM, and trades involving Damon Stoudamire, Joe Smith, Rony Seikaly, Chauncey Billups, Brent Barry, and more.

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